Calcot Park

Later, it was the home of the famous "Berkshire Lady," Frances Kendrick, who married her husband, Benjamin Child, after challenging him to a duel.

It is said that when, as a widower, Child sold up to John Blagrave, he changed his mind and the lead from the roof had to be removed to force him to leave.

[5] In fact, Child did not sell the whole of the Calcot Park Estate, but retained the easternmost section, where the duel was said to have been held.

The idea of a new golf course on this part of the estate was initially tested at a public meeting held in Reading on 24 April 1929.

A favourable response resulted in a group of Reading businessmen meeting one week later to discuss the purchase of the estate and its conversion into a golf course.

Calcot Park c. 1845 by William Fox Talbot